Featured Artist: Maini Sorri

 

Female Indie Musicians had the pleasure of doing a virtual interview with pop rock singer-songwriter Maini Sorri! 

                                                      Photos by Johan Zetterlund

Hi Maini! We noticed that you have Nordic roots. How does this influence your music?

I started to compose music when I was a child and lived in Finland. I sat at the piano and piano pieces just came to me. My piano teacher recorded them and appreciated them. I remember that my grandmother often asked me to play them all. My mother was also very supportive. My father had also an important impact. For him it was not enough that I could play without anyone teaching me how to do it. He said that I must take piano lessons. I think it opened a door for me that lead to my Bachelor of Arts and to a work as a piano teacher and musician.

As a teenager I moved to Sweden. A friend encouraged me to write songs. I wrote my first song, and songwriting became an important part of my life. I have so far released two song books. I have also songs in a songbook for children by a major company. It made me happy that Music Academies in Sweden and Finland ordered my song book Metsä laulaa/Skogen sjunger (The Forest sings, by Finn-kirja Sweden) from the Swedish library service, that gave me a great review.

The nature absolutely inspires me. Some of the lyrics came to me when I walked in the nearby forest. The songs come to me when I get a strong feeling that must get out, often when something sad has happened. When the song is written the sadness is gone and instead I am happy for the new song. I think that my songs were more melancholy when I started to write songs. Later I preferred to write happier melody even to sad lyrics. I like to think that my music combines the best parts of both Finnish and Swedish music tradition.

We saw that you have a very extensive discography of six full-length albums, three EPs and 22 singles! For those who are yet to be acquainted with your music, can you recommend where they could get started?

I suggest that you start with my latest single Through Teary Eyes. I think that it is uplifting and energetic although the lyrics are sad. I co-work with the star producer Aubrey Whitfield from London. She has produced and mixed the song. She has been in studio with stars like Kelly Clarkson and the X factor winner James Arthur and many more. 

You should also listen to Love Bubble from Someday Vol. 3. I have recorded many pop ballads during the years. I love to record in different genres. Lost Love from my album Bring Me Home is a rock song. It is also included in Metronomicon: Slay the Dance Floor RPG soundtrack in the US. I have also recorded with the American rapper Magneto Dayo. Listen to our co-work in Just a Dream from our album When Two Worlds Meet. I have a band Sorriso with John Bauman from Milan, Italy. I think that our voices blend together. Listen to Hiding Place, the first of our singles.

Maini Sorri's music video for her latest single, "Through Teary Eyes"

You have worked with multiple writers and producers including Grammy-nominated ones. Can you share your favorite experiences working with other talented individuals in the industry?

I have been very lucky to be found on internet. I was found by the Emmy winner - from the Grammy nominated L.A. band Permanent Ability - Brian Lanese. He asked me if he could produce my next album. Brian co-produced several singles and one of my albums with Orlando Mestre from the same L.A. band. Orlando has toured around the world and have participated in America's Got Talent. His guitar work is amazing! Also the rapper Magneto Dayo found me on internet. He asked me if we could record my songs together. Gary Cornman, the lyricist of the most English lyrics also found me on internet. He asked me if I could compose his poem.

Do you have any advice for our Female Indie Musicians community, especially for those who are just starting out?

Don't ever give up. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Think bread, try to reach several goals. Use trusted promotion. You cannot reach all radio stations yourself. Work only with producers with positive energy and those who fulfill your idea of your music. Those who will walk that extra mile with you. Always finish your productions to get your song out to the world. Don't release before you are satisfied with the product and know that you did your best. Don't ever listen to people that try to bring you down, not when it comes to music, not in your personal life. Show the world your talent. Reach for new goals and think that the sky is the limit. Only work with the best, also when it comes to the studio. Say yes to options you get as an artist, but not without doing research first. Learn to say no when things feels wrong or fake. Don't waste your time and energy but stay focused. Stay in touch with other artists. They are going through same kind of things that you are and you can give and get good advice and support. Give love and energy and you will get love and energy back. God bless you all.

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